Under Li Yue Shu’s confused gaze, the county magistrate explained, "I heard the Prefect offended a martial arts organization called Ming Yue Lou. His abuse of power and bribery were exposed, and he’s been imprisoned. The Li family was also implicated. However, the Li family has someone backing them, so they didn’t suffer any losses, but they’ve been much more honest lately."
"I am currently acting as Prefect, and the official appointment documents will be issued in a few days. If the Li family bothers you again, Madam Shen can simply send someone to inform me."
Here, the county magistrate lowered his voice, "I had someone investigate. Among so many counties, they chose me because of Doctor Chen."
Li Yue Shu asked with confusion, "What does this have to do with Doctor Chen?"
The county magistrate was surprised, "Madam Shen doesn't know that Doctor Chen used to be Old Master Xu's personal physician?"
Li Yue Shu shook her head; she genuinely didn't know this.
The county magistrate, thinking of Doctor Chen’s aloofness and his sole devotion to medicine, could understand.
He chuckled as he looked at Li Yue Shu, "Ultimately, if it weren't for Madam Shen, even if Doctor Chen had mentioned me to Old Master Xu, this position wouldn't have come to me."
"I offer this tea in place of wine, as a token of my gratitude, and I wish Madam Shen prosperity in her business and good health and fortune."
Li Yue Shu hadn't expected these things to happen, but she felt that Old Master Xu helping the county magistrate wasn't necessarily because of her. After all, he had already repaid her life-saving debt when she last sent a message.
She picked up her teacup, "Your Excellency's dedication to the people is evident to all the citizens of Tong Mu County. Having this official fortune is your own blessing."
The county magistrate smiled, saying no more, but his admiration for Madam Shen grew.
Shen Wei, standing nearby, watched silently, the corners of his lips curving upwards.
He always trusted Chai Yang's efficiency. This way, no one would suspect why Old Master Xu would pay attention to a mere county magistrate.
...
The opening of the Liu Xian Wine House went very smoothly. Not to mention the bustling scene today, the gimmick of "giving away a thousand taels for free" alone was enough to ensure the Liu Xian Wine House's popularity for a long time.
After closing, almost everyone was slumped on tables and chairs from exhaustion.
Li Yue Shu was also tired, but her physical condition was good, so she wasn't as affected.
The most energetic of all was Shen Ting Wen.
The child had run around the hall all day and didn't feel tired at all. He was still pulling his father at the counter, counting money.
The children had already started school, but Shen Ting Wen would come to Liu Xian Wine House by himself after school without needing anyone to pick him up.
Li Yue Shu knew what he was excited about.
She had promised A Wen before that she would let him learn business and become a merchant. Naturally, she wouldn't dampen or stop his enthusiasm.
Seeing Shen Ting Wen studying his lessons while also learning accounting and bookkeeping from her, Shen Can felt a pang of concern. "Madam, A Wen is not yet six years old. Isn't this too hard for him?"
Li Yue Shu smiled faintly, "As a mother, I don't seek academic success for him, as long as he's not illiterate. Learning accounting and bookkeeping is because he enjoys it. If he can acquire a skill, that would be even better."
As if thinking of something, she suddenly sighed, "Who wouldn't want their child to have a happy childhood? But I want them to have the ability to face hardships in the future even more."
These four children would face the chosen ones of this world in the future, and their lives were destined not to be easy.
Shen Can didn't understand the sudden melancholy in her. In fact, she often felt that Li Yue Shu pushed herself very hard.
Unbeknownst to them, a small figure by the door overheard their conversation.
Shen Ting Wen looked at Li Yue Shu's retreating figure with complex emotions. Countless thoughts flashed through his mind. In the end, he said nothing and quietly turned to leave.
...
The Liu Xian Wine House officially opened for business. The ten complimentary Liu Xian dishes given away on opening day spread the wine house's reputation among the common folk, while the ten pre-ordered dishes attracted more influential people.
The business behind the wine house wasn't as lively as on opening day, but its reputation and word-of-mouth grew better and better. Many people even traveled from other counties to visit.
Li Yue Shu spent most of her time at the wine house, but the primary responsibilities were handed over to Shen Can.
If she couldn't even manage a wine house in one county, she wouldn't be at ease entrusting her with managing Liu Xian Wine House in other places in the future.
Perhaps the news of the wine house's good business had reached the village. The villagers who were still hesitating about participating in medicine production immediately went to sign up with Aunt Liu and Madam Zhou.
There was no pay for the training, but Li Yue Shu still provided them with a meal.
There were over a dozen participants. Since they couldn't all be at home, Li Yue Shu approached the village elder to ask if there was any open space in the village.
The village elder thought for a moment and replied, "Yes, our village has a large dam. Everyone dries their grain there after the autumn harvest."
Li Yue Shu immediately went to see it. It was indeed spacious enough, so she decided to hold the training there.
Li Yue Shu entrusted the training entirely to Shen Tan and Shen Chi, telling them to come to her only if they encountered something they couldn't handle.
In this world, children in the countryside were old enough to help with chores by the age of five. She believed the two children could handle it.
As it turned out, they didn't disappoint Li Yue Shu.
After paying attention for a few days, she stopped worrying about it and began planning for Shen Yi Min and Mo Lian's county examination.
The county examination was the responsibility of the local county magistrate.
Since the previous county magistrate had been promoted to Prefect, the county examination was naturally the responsibility of the new county magistrate.
Li Yue Shu had learned from the county magistrate before that the county examination involved five consecutive tests, and all daily needs were handled in a small cubicle. She had to prepare thoroughly for the two boys in advance.
She thought of everything, from food and daily necessities to even a hand warmer.
Looking at the identical equipment Mo Lian had, the same as Shen Yi Min's, Mo's mother’s eyes teared up. "Madam, there’s no need for so much trouble. A Lian won't use so many things."
Li Yue Shu waved her hand, "It's fine. It's better to be prepared. I'll drive the children to the examination venue by carriage then, so they won't have to carry anything."
She had considered every detail, fearing even the slightest oversight.
Shen Yi Min remained calm throughout, accepting all her arrangements with a gentle smile.
A mere county examination was nothing to him, but watching Li Yue Shu busily preparing made him feel a touch of nervousness rising in his heart.
...
Under everyone's anxious anticipation, the day of the county examination arrived as scheduled.
Li Yue Shu, along with Shen Wei, Mo's mother, and the two children taking the exam, set off for the county early in the morning.
The other three children also wanted to come, but the carriage wasn't big enough, so Li Yue Shu had to ask them to wait at home.
Outside the examination venue, many candidates were already waiting, with almost every candidate accompanied by two or three parents.
And almost every parent was giving their final words of advice:
"Son, be careful during the exam. Give it your best performance, Dad believes in you!"
"Darling, don't be nervous. No matter how well you do, Mom will be proud of you!"
"Good grandson, take care of yourself inside. Put on an extra layer at night, don't catch a cold."
Li Yue Shu, who had intended to add a few more words, was speechless.
It seemed that parental pre-exam advice was unavoidable in any world.